Modi to Launch Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive from Ajmer

The campaign will administer a single dose of Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, and types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts and papillomatosis.

After the launch in Ajmer, all states and Union Territories will launch their own vaccination drives on the same day. In a communication to states and UTs, additional secretary and mission manager (NHM) Aradhana Patnaik stated: “The Prime Minister kindly allowed the launch of the campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan.”

“We are determined to encourage vaccination of girls to prevent cervical cancer,” the letter said.

According to the ministry, all 14-year-old girls will receive the vaccine at government healthcare facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandir – Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals and government medical colleges and hospitals.

Each vaccination center will have a cold chain point and a designated medical officer for the management of adverse events after vaccination (AEFI).

The ministry clarified that HPV vaccination is voluntary and requires mandatory consent from parents or guardians. The drive will take place over a three-month period, during which time the vaccine will be available daily to cover the eligible group. It will then be provided on routine vaccination days.

The letter stated that officials from all states and UTs have been trained and the required vaccine doses have been procured in accordance with the target numbers.

States and UTs have been instructed to set up dedicated vaccination session sites with cold chain support at the center or designated facilities, ensure adequate vaccine stock and make necessary logistical arrangements for the launch.